Sport connects Rossendale and Bocholt

The Bocholt city run inspires even the English twin town of Rossendale: for the first time this year, 12 runners from "Rossendale Harriers and Athletics" came to Bocholt as guests of Sportfreunde 97/30 Lowick e.V.. They took part in the city run with great success. As many as five starters finished in the top ten in the 10 kilometre main race.

At the beginning of their visit, the English guests were welcomed by Deputy Mayor Gudrun Koppers at Europa-Haus Bocholt. They were joined by representatives of Sportfreunde 97/30 Lowick and the German-British Society Bocholt.

Passing on the baton to the next generation

Gudrun Koppers introduced the English guests to the city of Bocholt with its sights, schools and special features. In her speech, she referred to the German-British town twinning between Rossendale and Bocholt, which was established in 1952. "Town twinning was part of peace policy and thrives on each generation passing on the baton to the next generation", said Koppers.

An unforgettable experience

The young athletes from Rossendale are part of the next generation who are continuing the relationship as part of the town twinning programme. This year's city run was a good occasion for this. "You will be cheered on by music groups and spectators everywhere", promised Koppers. "Your participation will be an unforgettable experience." And despite the rainy weather, it really should be. Before the start, the classic pennant handover took place between the two clubs. After the race, the guests enjoyed the "after-race party" in a cosy atmosphere on Ravardistraße.

Trip to the Netherlands

The hosts, Sportfreunde 97/30 Lowick, had prepared an interesting supporting programme for the Rossendalers during their stay. This included a trip to the neighbouring Netherlands to s'Heerenberg and Montferland. There they looked at the beautiful Dutch houses while walking. At the end of the visit, the English club extended an open invitation to the Bocholters to visit them.